Jed Adcock named at Brisbane Lions captain; Jonathan Brown to still be a force

The reins may have been officially handed to Jed Adcock but Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch says former captain Jonathan Brown will still be as influential as ever at the AFL club in 2014.

Adcock, 28, on Thursday was named as the sole Lions skipper after sharing the role with Brown last season.

Midfielder Tom Rockliff will be Adcock's deputy, while Daniel Rich, Joel Patfull and Daniel Merrett have been appointed deputy vice-captains. Leppitsch said Brown, 32, may have taken a step back ahead of his 15th AFL season but would still play a major role.

''He was really keen to step away and become a mentor and we were keen to do the same thing,'' Leppitsch said.

''I think it'll help him personally, but more importantly it'll help our club develop new leaders.

''If Browny is always in those meetings, he'll always be heard, he's always dominant with a strong personality. I think it's time the next generation came through.

''We're really conscious to use his strengths, but also grow others.'' Brown backed the new hierarchy.

''I have relished my time as captain, but I think it's the right time for a changing of the guard,'' he said.